Exo Mountain Frame with other bags

Sojourner...yes, I have the 5500, and the 3500 does look nice the way you have it setup. I might have to retrofit my bladder with quick connects if I stay with the exo bag because the setup is otherwise frustrating to refill the bladder when in the load shelf.

I run the bladder or water bottles in the main stretchy pocket when in daypack mode. Easy to access and keeps the load centered
 
Can you get just the EXO frame without a bag? I don't see that option on the web site. I was thinking about this, but I really don't see anything that I don't like about the EXO bags except for maybe the stretchy fabric and that's only because I haven't seen it in person. It's possible that I would really like it.

We don't have this as an option on the website but we can sell one to you, just give me a call.

We are working on a smaller bag in the low 2000ci for 2015, most likely a summer release before its ready.

Steve
 
We don't have this as an option on the website but we can sell one to you, just give me a call.

We are working on a smaller bag in the low 2000ci for 2015, most likely a summer release before its ready.

Steve

Now we're talking! Please keep us posted.
 
We don't have this as an option on the website but we can sell one to you, just give me a call.

We are working on a smaller bag in the low 2000ci for 2015, most likely a summer release before its ready.

Steve

Hopefully no spotting scope and tripod pockets on the smaller bag? I use every part of my 3500 except those two pockets. Never put anything in them all season. Keep that stretchy pocket on the back of the pack that has to be the most useful backpack feature I have ever found.
 
Doverpack12...please let me know how it goes...I think that would be my ideal day pack setup if it works well, especially if it allows quick access to the bladder between the frame and pack. If you could post some pics as well, I'd be forever grateful!!

Well the idea was good but the fit was not. I wouldn't say the ultra 3000 won't work but it will not be clean and tight. The main issue I seem to be having finding another bag to put on the frame is the lid straps at the top wanting to slide side to side easily and then binding up the load lifters. Also the Ultra 3000 and Icon Pro bags and for sure the original Icons are too wide at the bottom to connect to the two bottom webbing loops on the EXO frame without causing the pack to bulge out in the middle. The stabilizer tabs on the icons do not attach well to the EXO belt either. I did use 4 G hooks on the EXO 1" straps that would buckle to the 3500 bag and hook those in place of the quick clips on the Ultra 3000 and that held well but the top and bottom connections are not great so when you have to put something between the frame and bag I can only imagine the fiasco that will be had trying to reconnect everything securely. Maybe this new bag Steve mentioned will fill the gap with a bag intended for the frame instead of us trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.
 
Have you seen this on the "Franken pack" thread? Really clean, but I doubt that HPG bag is large enough for me to fit my camp into for a multi-night trip.

94FC338B-CCF9-4449-BBF6-B6ECBE7B4C07_zpsdvtvuryr.jpgDE5B3F4D-BAB9-44C3-BA78-84F73EF8D1AD_zps6s56vkhw.jpg41B88DE7-7346-46AE-90A8-BEFD28B79A1F_zps96ikgoga.jpg
 
We don't have this as an option on the website but we can sell one to you, just give me a call.

We are working on a smaller bag in the low 2000ci for 2015, most likely a summer release before its ready.

Steve

Nice! After looking at the options, I'd probably just stick to your 3500 bag and frame. Options are always nice to have though.
 
Have you seen this on the "Franken pack" thread? Really clean, but I doubt that HPG bag is large enough for me to fit my camp into for a multi-night trip.

View attachment 22236View attachment 22237View attachment 22235

You are correct. This is 2000 ci roughly. So unless your an ultra minimalist I doubt also you could fit a few days in this. I use it as a fantastic daypack configuration and it works very well for that. With the additional loadsling though you could fit a bigger bag between the Highlander bag and the Frame to really expand your capabilities. The middle photo shows the highlander Exo Frame with the load sling and with this setup the highlander is designed as a compression panel it would be very easy to cinch a bag between the frame and highlander for a fantastic multiday pack. I have the CM25 from HPG also. This weekend I will work on setting this up for you guys to check out and throw some photos up here. Of course the Kifaru camp bag or any wet bag could be setup the same. Similar to what Steve has posted photos of.
 
You are correct. This is 2000 ci roughly. So unless your an ultra minimalist I doubt also you could fit a few days in this. I use it as a fantastic daypack configuration and it works very well for that. With the additional loadsling though you could fit a bigger bag between the Highlander bag and the Frame to really expand your capabilities. The middle photo shows the highlander Exo Frame with the load sling and with this setup the highlander is designed as a compression panel it would be very easy to cinch a bag between the frame and highlander for a fantastic multiday pack. I have the CM25 from HPG also. This weekend I will work on setting this up for you guys to check out and throw some photos up here. Of course the Kifaru camp bag or any wet bag could be setup the same. Similar to what Steve has posted photos of.

Yes, but if I'm using the load sling to carry an additional bag or dry sack I lose the ability to fill it with meat should the need arise. That is the main benefit to this type of pack IMO.
 
Hopefully no spotting scope and tripod pockets on the smaller bag? I use every part of my 3500 except those two pockets. Never put anything in them all season. Keep that stretchy pocket on the back of the pack that has to be the most useful backpack feature I have ever found.

Its always interesting to here peoples different thoughts and how they use the pack, I personally use my side pockets always. Spotting Scope on one side and tripod on the other in the large pockets and then my water filter and tp in the smaller pockets.
 
Last edited:
Its always interesting to here peoples different thoughts and how they use the pack, I personally use my side pockets always. Spotting Scope on one side and tripod on the other in the large pockets and then my water filter and tp in the smaller pockets.

Let me rephrase that. I like the small stretchy side pockets but not the long tall ones for a spotting scope and tripod because not much else fits in them that well and with the bag full then trying to put something in those pockets makes the pack too wide and my elbows hit the sides.
 
Thanks guys, a lot of good responses.

Doverpack12...thanks for the ultra 3000 update, sounds like it isn't the best fit without some serious modifications.

S&S Archery...awesome news, I can definitely wait til summer 2015 for that daypack. My two cents: please make sure the top attachments don't interfere with the load lifter straps, and forego the traditional top pouch. (Something like the kuiu ultra 3000 made to fit your frame would be a sweet daypack!!!😉). BTW, great pack and frame, I'm loving my 5500.
 
Back
Top